MOVIE NEWS – Michael Keaton claims he’s the best Batman, and his answer is simply, “Because I am.” The actor made this cheeky declaration during a Q&A for Wired, where he tackled some of the internet’s most popular questions.

When asked why Michael Keaton is the best Batman, the actor didn’t hesitate for a moment before delivering his amusing answer: “Oh, ’cause I am.” For many fans, Keaton’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader is iconic and hard to surpass. Whether it’s because he was the first to bring Batman to the big screen, the nostalgic appeal of his interpretation, or the unique way Tim Burton infused Gothic fantasy into Gotham City, Keaton’s quick remark resonates with a lot of fans who are likely to agree.

Interestingly, Keaton’s success as Batman wasn’t always a sure thing. Burton’s choice to cast an actor primarily known for comedy roles was initially seen as a major risk. Reflecting on the backlash at Tim Burton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, Keaton recalled the negative reactions to his casting before the film’s release:

“I’ll never understand [this] why anyone cared. The uproar… you would’ve thought we were being invaded. It was unbelievable. The press was going crazy. But [Burton] stood by me. The guts it took to stand by that decision will always be appreciated by me.”

How Michael Keaton Redefined Batman

Before the 1989 movie, Batman’s presence on screen was limited to television, with Adam West playing a campy version of the character in 120 episodes from 1966 to 1968 and a TV movie in between. But as the 1980s ended, Keaton’s portrayal introduced a much darker and more serious take on the character, aligning with the character’s comic book evolution.

Keaton’s unexpected partnership with Burton, and Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable performance as the Joker, set a new standard for Batman movies. While the franchise briefly lost its way with the campy Batman & Robin, Christopher Nolan’s trilogy later restored Batman’s darker tone, culminating in The Dark Knight, which many consider the greatest Batman film ever made.

Michael Keaton’s Batman remains so popular that he was brought back for The Flash, reinforcing his status as the quintessential Batman.

With Robert Pattinson returning as Bruce Wayne in The Batman – Part II in 2026 and James Gunn preparing to introduce a new Batman in his DCU, it remains to be seen how these new interpretations will stack up against Keaton’s original portrayal. However, Keaton seems confident that his Batman will remain the standard, regardless of future actors taking on the role.

Source: MovieWeb